Hi all:

Been a while since I posted (not since odometer was in its teens!), so I hope everyone's well and still in love with their Minis. I LOVE my MCS, so I hope this problem is not going to be super expensive...

Maybe 3-4 days ago, freeway driving 60-70mph and hit a pothole Yellow tire warning light flashed up, and quickly disappeared...then

2 days ago, freeway again 60-70mph and I heard a "pop" from under the bonnet, right side. Pop didn't sound metallic, kinda throaty - maybe like a champagne cork? Clear, clean distinct sound, like a cap popped off or something...now...

exhaust at low temp/start-up doesn't sound right. Not the Mini purr, but a loud dry, throaty sound - like a "John Deere tractor" (someone else's post). After engine warms up it sounds normal again.

I've done some reading and searching around - seems like that it might be a cracked exhaust manifold. Arggg

Questions:

1) How can I tell for sure? (I'm not a DIY car person, but I can check under the bonnet...and maybe under the car...)

2) In CA - is this item under warranty? If not, what's the possible $$ to repair??

3) Can I drive the car for a few days before getting to the garage for repair/service?

Thanks NAM. Love driving my Mini , and can't afford a new one...yet...


Caro

 

only thing i know of that could crack a metal part is rapid heating/cooling cycles... are you sure it isnt the v-band clamps or what ever they are called?

 

Hey I can sell you my old one if you want. I am in San Clemente. Also yyou can take the top of the heat shield off pretty easily and look to see if it is cracked. If it is and you go to replace it make sure that you replace the gasket.

 

Call Way at WMW. He can sell you my old one. Only 20k on it.

 

If you are going to replace it, go for Way's Turbo Exhaust Manifold.